Americans are known for being antsy, they’re always on the move—and this includes finding new places to live. Statistically, Americans move 11.7 times on average in their lifetime. But according to recent reports, this is no longer true.
More than at any other point in the past, they are staying out. What is leading to this shift in paradigm?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2023 nearly as many people moved for housing reasons (41.6%) as for family (26.5%) or work (16.1%) combined.
As reported by Axios’ Erica Pandey, the annual rate of Americans moving has gradually decreased, with only 8.7% of the population changing residences in 2022. This represents a sharp decline from the 1960s, when about 20% of Americans moved each year.
Movement either within a city or to another state or across the country, has long been a constant in American life. This mobility was usually fueled by the search for new job opportunities, better living conditions or a fresh start in a different community so that one’s needs could be met.
These relocations played a major role in economic growth, enabling people to move to areas with expanding industries and enhanced job perspectives. However, the recent decline in relocation rates indicates a shift toward a more stagnant population, a trend that could have significant implications for both the economy and society overall.
There are several factors contributing to this trend, as explained by William Frey, a senior demographer at the Brookings Institution; a major reason is the change in the behavior of the younger generation. Today’s young adults, who in the past were the main players in local and inter-municipal relocations, tend to stay longer in the parental home, postpone marriage and consequently start their own families.
As the nation ages, older people are less likely to relocate, favoring stability instead of the disruption of relocation. Adding to this demographic shift are changes in the labor market.
The rise of remote work and the reduction in regional labor market segmentation means that professionals are no longer forced to move to industrial districts such as Silicon Valley to advance their careers.
In addition, the continuous surge in housing prices has created an inhibitive barrier for many potential movers, preventing them from buying new homes or entering the housing market for the first time.
It becomes clear that the decline in American mobility signals a major shift in the nation’s social and economic landscape. To bring concrete solutions, policymakers and urban planners should now focus on developing vibrant and sustainable communities that can offer local opportunity, affordable housing and infrastructure that supports long-term residency. By adapting to this new reality, the American dream can continue to flourish, even in a less mobile society.
